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Sound off: Should cities consider minimum-wage hike?

The minimum wage in Arizona is $7.90 per hour, which is higher than the federal level of $7.25. However, there has been robust debate over whether elected officials should significantly raise the minimum wage.

Sound off: Should cities consider minimum-wage hike?

This week's question: Should your city consider passing an increase in the minimum wage? If so, why and to what amount? If not, why not?

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Minimum wage

The minimum wage in Arizona is $7.90 per hour, which is higher than the federal level of $7.25. However, there has been robust debate over whether elected officials should significantly raise the minimum wage. The Seattle City Council recently voted to increase the minimum wage there to $15 per hour and this week the minimum wage increased to $9 per hour in California.

Elected officials in Buckeye, El Mirage, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Surprise, Tolleson and Youngtown did not respond to the question.

Avondale

Mayor Kenn Weise

"The issue regarding raising the minimum wage is a complex one, with much discussion taking place at the federal, state - and as we have seen in cities such as Seattle, even the local level. Companies such as Costco and Ikea have taken it upon themselves to raise the minimum wage for their employees. While our City Council has no foreseeable plans to legislate this issue, we are working diligently in the city to attract employers who will bring jobs that support a livable wage for our residents. Avondale's General Plan and Area Specific Plans have been developed to support job creation at all levels, but especially, those jobs that will command higher wages."

Glendale

Councilman Gary Sherwood

"Increasing the minimum wage would have two principal effects on low-wage workers. Most would receive higher pay that would increase their family's income, and some would see their families' income rise above the federal poverty threshold. But some jobs for low-wage workers would probably be eliminated, the income of most workers who became jobless would fall substantially, and the share of low-wage workers who were employed would probably fall slightly. As a City Council member, I wholeheartedly support our efforts to attract quality companies that pay above-average wages. As a small businessman, I also understand the costs associated with raising the minimum wage balanced with attracting and retaining qualified employees by paying a livable wage. Wages are best left to the open market and each state to set their economic development policies in motion."

This week's question: Should your city consider passing an increase in the minimum wage? If so, why and to what amount? If not, why not?

The Republic will regularly ask West Valley elected officials to share their thoughts on issues.

The minimum wage in Arizona is $7.90 per hour, which is higher than the federal level of $7.25. However, there has been robust debate over whether elected officials should significantly raise the minimum wage. The Seattle City Council recently voted to increase the minimum wage there to $15 per hour and this week the minimum wage increased to $9 per hour in California.

This week's question: Should your city consider passing an increase in the minimum wage? If so, why and to what amount? If not, why not?

Elected officials in Buckeye, El Mirage, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Surprise, Tolleson and Youngtown did not respond to the question.

Have a question you want answered? E-mail West Valley Editor Wyatt Buchanan at wyatt.buchanan@gannett.com.

Avondale

Kenn Weise(Photo: Avondale)

"The issue regarding raising the minimum wage is a complex one, with much discussion taking place at the federal, state — and as we have seen in cities such as Seattle, even the local level. Companies such as Costco and Ikea have taken it upon themselves to raise the minimum wage for their employees.

"While our City Council has no foreseeable plans to legislate this issue, we are working diligently in the city to attract employers who will bring jobs that support a livable wage for our residents. Avondale's General Plan and Area Specific Plans have been developed to support job creation at all levels, but especially, those jobs that will command higher wages."

— Mayor Kenn Weise

Glendale

Council member Gary Sherwood questions a speaker during the Glendale City Council Workshop Session in Council Chambers on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2013 (cq). Charlie Leight/The Arizona Republic(Photo: Charlie Leight/The Republic)

"Increasing the minimum wage would have two principal effects on low-wage workers. Most would receive higher pay that would increase their family's income, and some would see their families' income rise above the federal poverty threshold. But some jobs for low-wage workers would probably be eliminated, the income of most workers who became jobless would fall substantially, and the share of low-wage workers who were employed would probably fall slightly.

"As a City Council member, I wholeheartedly support our efforts to attract quality companies that pay above-average wages. As a small businessman, I also understand the costs associated with raising the minimum wage balanced with attracting and retaining qualified employees by paying a livable wage.

"Wages are best left to the open market and each state to set their economic development policies in motion."